پنجاب کا لفظ ابن بطوطہ کی تحریروں میں ملتا ہے جو اُن نے 14ویں صدی عیسوی میں اس علاقے کا دورہ کرنے ہوئے لکھی، اس کا وسیع پیمانے پر استعمال سولہویں صدی کے دوسرے حصے کی کتاب ”تاریخ شیر شاہ سوری“ میں ملتا ہے، جس میں پنجاب کے شیر خان کے قلعے کی تعمیر کے حوالے سے ملتا ہے۔اس سے پہلے پنجاب جیسا تذکرہ مہابھارت کے قصے کہانیوں میں بھی ہے جو پنجا ندا (پانچ ندیاں) کے حوالے سے ہے۔اس کے بعد آئین اکبری میں ابو الفصل نے لکھا ہے کہ یہ علاقہ دو حصوں میں منقسم تھا، لاہور اور ملتان۔ اس آئین اکبری کے دوسرے حصے میں ابوالفصل نے پنجاب کو پنجند لکھا ہے۔ اس کے علاوہ مغل بادشاہ جانگیر نے اپنی تزک جانگیری میں پنجاب کا لفظ استعمال کیا ہے۔پنجاب کا لفظ فارسی کے پنج یعنی پانچ اور آب یعنی پانی سے ماخوڈ ہے۔ یعنی پانچ دریاؤں کی سرزمین ۔یہ وہ پانچ دریا ہے جو اس علاقے میں بہتے ہیں۔آج کل ان میں سے تین دریا تو مکمل طور پر پاکستانی پنجاب کے علاقوں میں بہتے ہیں۔ جبکہ دو دریاؤں کے مرکز بھارتی پنجاب سے ہو کر آتے ہیں۔

Punjab (the land of five rivers) is the biggest land area of Pakistan and is popularly known for its culture. It shares most of its cultural and carnival values with Indian culture. According to population, 56% of the total population of the country is situated in Punjab Province. It has a total of 36 districts and contributes approximately 50-60 % of the economy.

Punjabi Culture is one of the oldest in world history, dating from ancient antiquity to the modern era. The scope, history, complexity and density of the culture are vast. Some of the main areas of the Punjabi culture include: Punjabi cuisine, philosophy, poetry, artistry, music, architecture, traditions and values and history. Some cities of Punjab have more importance for Sikh community from India. The founder of Sikh religion was born in Nankana Sahib, a district of Punjab so Sikh from different parts of world come and visits Punjab. Jahngir tomb and Badshahi Masjid in Lahore are the important places of Pakistan. Data Sahib is very scared place in Punjab and most of the people come and visit Data sahib every year.

People

Punjabi people are very warm hearted and fun loving. Punjabis are heterogeneous group comprising of different tribes, clans, communities and are known to celebrate each and every tradition of their culture. People of Punjab have strong beliefs on pir-faqeers, jogi, taweez, manat-ka-dhaga, saint of repute, black magic, and other superstitions, however recently due to increase of literacy, people have become somewhat rational . Punjabis also believe in cast system but as now people are getting educated, the differences are getting blurred. Some popular casts of Punjabi’s are; Jats, Maliks, Mughals, Arains, Gujjars, Awans, Rajputs, Gakhars, Khokhars, Sheikhs, Aheers, Kambohs, Niazis, Legharis, Khosas, Dogars, Thaheem, Mirani, Qureshis, and Syeds.

In villages’ people usually live in small communities (biradaris), however they live in peace and harmony with each other. They take active part in the happiness/grieve of each other and give a great deal of respect to their culture, norms and run their lives according to their set traditions. Punjabi people are famous for their hospitable and loving nature.

Languages

Punjabi is the provincial language of Punjab. It is spoken as the first language by majority people in Punjab, even spoken and understood in areas beyond the confines of Punjab. Facts and figures show that Punjabi language is spoken as first language by 44% of Pakistanis. Urdu language is also commonly spoken in this region. Key Punjabi languages/dialects are:

• Pothowari
• Hindko
• Jhangvi
• Shahpuri
• Pahari
• Majhi
• Saraiki

Dresses

Costumes of Punjab are an indication of the bright and vibrant culture and lifestyle of the people.

The costumes are a mix of colours, comfort and beauty and Punjab is well known for the use of phulkari(embroidery) in its costumes. In most of the villages of Punjab men wear Pagri(turban), dhoti/lacha, kurta, khusa. Women wear gharara, or choridar pajama or colorful shalwar kameez, paranda, choli/duppata, khusa, kola puri chappal or tillay wali jutti. Whereas in urban areas of Punjab men and women follow latest trends and fashion, generally they wear different styles of shalwar kameez.

Cuisine

The extensive cuisine of Punjab can be vegetarian and non-vegetarian. One commonality between all Punjabi dishes is the liberal usage of ghee or clarified butter spices and Punjabis are fond of sweet-meats also. Most Punjabi food is eaten with either rice or roti. There are some dishes that are exclusive to Punjab such as Mah Di Dal, Paratha, Makai ki rotti, Saron Da Saag, and in cities Choley, Haleem, Baryani and other spicy dishes are popular. In beverages, tea is consumed in all seasons and as a custom most of Punjabis serve tea to their guests. Punjabis are also fond of Zarda, Gulab-Jamuns, Kheer, Jalaibi,Samosy, Pakorey etc. During summers people drink lassi, doodh-soda, aloo bokharey ka sharbat, lemonade etc.  These cuisines have become world-wide delicacies with large scale representation.

Sports

Punjabi people have fanatical interest in sports. Punjabi’s are fond of kabaddi, and wrestling, which is also popular in other parts of Pakistan and it’s also played on national level. Other games being played in Punjab region include Gilli-Danda, Khoo-Khoo, Yassu-Panju, Pitho-Garam, Ludo, Chuppan-Chupai, Baraf-Panni, Kanchy and some major sports include cricket, boxing, horse-racing, hockey and football. National Horse and Cattle Show at Lahore is the biggest festival where sports, exhibitions, and livestock competitions are held.

Cultural Festivals

There are numerous festivals which are celebrated by Punjabi people including some religious festivals such as Eid-Milad-Un-Nabi, Jumu’ah, Laylat-ul-Qadr etc. Urcs (devotional fairs),which are held at the shirnes of sufi saints, Melas and Nomaish (exhibitions).The Provincial capital Lahore is widely popular for its entertaining events and activities. Lahori’s are famous all over the country for their celebrations particularly for Basant festival (kite flying) in the spring season. Other festivals celebrated in Punjab region include Baisakhi, Teej, Kanak Katai etc.

Dance and Music

Bhangra is most commonly known Punjabi music genre and dance style. Punjabis passionately love folk songs/music, Qawali and Punjabi music is recognized throughout the world. The Tabla, Dhol, Dholki, Chimta, Flute and Sitar are all common instruments of this delightful culture. Punjabi dance is based around happiness, energy and enthusiasm.Different forms of dance in Punjab are: Loddi, Dhamal, Sammi, Kikli, Gatka, Bhangra, Giddha and Dandiya. Punjabi dances have been embraced by the American culture and others alike and now they are one of the most appreciated art forms.

Custums and Rituals

Some of the customs followed in Punjab have no foundation in Islam. However, the Punjabi culture has adopted those ceremonies and traditions from Hindu culture.

Birth Rituals

Punjabis celebrate birth of their child with great enthusiasm. Grandfather or grandmother or some respected elder member from the family puts honey with their index finger in child’s mouth called Ghutii. Sweets are distributed among friends and relatives and people bring gifts for the child and mother. Generally on 7^thday child’s head is shaven and Aqiqa ceremony is held, also sheep/goat is slaughtered.

Punjabi Weddings

Punjabi weddings are based on traditions and are conducted with strong reflection of the Punjabi culture followed by several pre-wedding customs and rituals (dholki,mayun,ubtan etc.)Punjabi weddings are very loud, energetic, full of music,colors, fancy-dresses, food and dancing. Punjabi weddings have many customs and ceremonies that have evolved since traditional times. In cities the wedding are celebrated following a blend of modern and traditional customs and the ceremony generally lasts for 3days, Mehndi, Barat (Nikkah+Ruksati) and Walima, followed by Chauti (bringing the bride back to her parents’ home the next day).

Funeral Rituals

At funerals after namaz-e-janaza it is customary to offer lunch to people who came for condolence. On 3^rdday of the funeral, Qul is held and every following thursday the Quran is recited (jumah-e-raat) followed by prayers for deceased and after 40days the chaliswaan is held. After which the funeral is over. Some families observe anniversaries yearly (barsi).There is no formal dress code for Punjabi funerals however people mostly wear shalwar kameez and casual clothing is observed. Funerals of Shia families are more intense. Both men and women wear black shalwar-kameez and rigorous crying and screaming is a common occurrence at such funerals.

Literature

Punjab is very rich with literature and Sufis adds more in its literature. Punjabi poetry is renowned for its extremely deep meaning, beautiful and hopeful use of words. The large number of Punjabi poetry is being translated throughout the world into many languages. Some famous poets of Punjabi are Sultan Bahu, Mia Mohammad Baksh, Baba Farid, Shah Hussain, Anwar Masood etc. Waris Shah, whose contribution to Punjabi literature is best-known for his seminal work in Heer Ranjha, known as Shakespeare of Punjabi language.  Bulleh Shah was a Punjabi Sufi poet, a humanist and a philosopher. The verse from Bulleh Shah primarily employed is called the Kafi, a style of Punjabi. Some other popular folk tales of Punjab include Sassi-Punnu, Sohni Mahiwal etc. that are passing through generations.

Arts and Crafts

Punjab is the major manufacturing industry in Pakistan’s economy and here each art enjoys a place of its own. The main crafts created in the highlands and other rural areas of Punjab are basketry, pottery, which are famous for their modern and traditional designs all over the world and are included in the best formations of Punjabis. bone work, textile, cloth woven on handlooms with stunning prints is embroidered in the rural-areas and the weavers produce colorful cloths like cotton,silk etc. embroidery, weaving, carpets, stone craft, jewelry, metal work along with truck art and other wood works. The craft of Punjab is its fundamental soul and its craft create its entity.

List of cities in Punjab (Pakistan)

Ahmadpur East
Ahmed Nager Chatha
Ali Khan Abad
Alipur
Arifwala
Attock
Bhera
Bhalwal
Bahawalnagar
Bahawalpur
Bhakkar
Burewala
Chillianwala
Chakwal
Chack Jhumra
Chichawatni
Chiniot
Chishtian
Daska
Davispur
Darya Khan
Dera Ghazi Khan
Dhaular
Dina
Dinga
Dipalpur
Faisalabad
Fateh Jang
Ghakhar Mandi
Gojra
Gujranwala
Gujrat
Gujar Khan
Hafizabad
Haroonabad
Hasilpur
Haveli Lakha
Jalalpur Jattan
Jampur
Jaranwala
Jhang
Jhelum
Kalabagh
Karor Lal Esan
Kasur
Kamalia
Kāmoke
Khanewal
Khanpur
Khanqah Sharif
Kharian
Khushab
Kot Adu
Jauharabad
Lahore
Lalamusa
Layyah
Liaquat Pur
Lodhran
Malakwal
Mamoori
Mailsi
Mandi Bahauddin
Mian Channu
Mianwali
Multan
Murree
Muridke
Mianwali Bangla
Muzaffargarh
Narowal
Nankana Sahib
Okara
Renala Khurd
Pakpattan
Pattoki
Pir Mahal
Qaimpur
Qila Didar Singh
Rabwah
Raiwind
Rajanpur
Rahim Yar Khan
Rawalpindi
Sadiqabad
Safdarabad
Sahiwal
samundri
Sangla Hill
Sarai Alamgir
Sargodha
Shakargarh
Sheikhupura
Sialkot
Sohawa
Soianwala
Siranwali
Tandlianwala
Talagang
Taxila
Toba Tek Singh
Vehari
Wah Cantonment
Wazirabad
Zafarwal

Chaarpai  چارپائی

Charpai/manji is an ancient furniture style still used extensively today charpoy is very light bed a single man can carry. The Charpoy is very versatile and functional piece of furniture we have taken this simple design to make many different pieces of furniture thus we have several sizes which include beds benches and footstools.

“Char Paya” in Persian meanings four footed bed stead of woven webbing or hemp stretched on a wooden frame on four legs common in this subcontinent of Indo-Pak the bed used in Pakistan India consisting of a frame strung with tapes or light rope. Charpoy is an important part of the lives of the Pakistani people it used as bed at night and for guest offered charpoy to sit and relax.

A manji is a traditional hand woven bed used all over Pakistan specially the villages of Pakistan it consists of a wooden frame bordering a set of knotted ropes. Charpoy is traditionally made of wood and its feet or (poy) are beautifully carved or decorated with lacquer or paints. It’s knitted with date palm leaves or a rope made of jute. Now a day’s charpoy also made of Iron pipe and knitted with colorful plastic rope.

Charpoy is multi uses furniture it used not only at home but at commercial basis on long route the village hotels used charpoy and serves food on it the traveler takes rest at mid journey the truck driver spend their night on these charpoy at road side hotels and restaurants. Char payee means four footed bed in saraiki and Punjabi it called manjaa or manjee and in Sind it called khatt khaatt or khattra or khatya traditionally user would lie directly on top of the ropes without an intervening mattress. It’s making begins with the tying of a life knot at one corner of the bed. In dera ghazi khan the big charpai is also called ahamacha this city has the world’s largest charpai

Kikli

This is another game, basically for women. Two girls clasp their hands and move in circle. This was a game, which was played by two or four girls and multiple of two thereof.
Kikli kleer di,
Pag mere vir de,
Daupatta mere bhai da
Phitte mun jawai da

Kokla Chhapaki

This game is popular even today amongst the children. Both boys and girls play it. Children sit in a circles and a child who has cloth in hand goes around the circle-singing: It is a kind of warning for the children sitting in a circle not to look back. The cloth is then dropped at the back of a child. If it is discovered before the child who had placed it there had completed the round, the child who discovered the cloth would run after him and try to touch him with it till he sits in the place vacated by the one who had discovered the cloth.

Chicho Chich Ganerian
This game is for both boys and girls. It is generally played by two teams and involves drawing as many vertical lines as possible.

Lukan Miti (Hide & Seek)

This was also played by both boys and girls and continues to this day. Two teams can also play this. One has to hide, the other has to seek but before doing it a call is given.

Guli Danda

This is basically a game for the boys and is the simplest version of modern cricket. It is played with a wooden stick and ‘guli’ (another small wooden piece pointed at both the ends.) Two teams divide themselves, one throws the guli and the other team uses the danda- (stick) to strike it. There are various other games that are played with Guli Danda

Kidi Kada or Stapoo

This is a game played both by the girls and boys. It is still common amongst some of the children. This game is played with in small boundary (court), drawn on the ground and a piece of stone.

Ghaggar Phissi
This is another game for the boys. One boy would bend and the other boys, may be one or two or three get on top of him, if he could bear the weight, he would win. In case he could not bear the weight and fell, he would lose.

Kabbadi
This game is popular even today and is played now by both boys and girls. This was included in the Asian Games also and is popular all over south Asia. The game is played between two teams. A line is drawn between the two teams and each team would send a player across the line. If the player after crossing the line is able to touch a player of the opposite side and came back without being caught, the team doing so would win and a point was added to its score. This process by the player crossing the line has to be performed in a single breath. The team with higher score would be the winner

Rasa Kashi (Tug of War)
The men generally played this game. These day’s women also participate in the game which is played by two teams. A line is drawn between the two teams, each having one end of the rope in its hands. The team, which is able to drag the other team to its side, is the winning team.

Akharas
These were very popular. Located near the well outside the village, sometimes near the temple. These were the places where the boys learnt wrestling from a Guru or Pehlwan-Wrestler.

Martial Art
This was also a part of the teaching in Akharas, where the boys learnt the use of weapons. Nihangs practice martial arts to keep up the traditions.

Kite Flying (Patang Bazi)
It is now very much an urbanized game and is popular with the rural folks as well. It has now assumed an International character.
Besides the games mentioned above, Chaupat, Shatranj (Chess), camel and bullockcart races, cock fights in addition to Kabutar bazi, chakore bazi and bater bazi are well known.
LATTOO ( yo-yo), played mostly by the boys.

Bandar Qilla (Baander killa)

گلی ڈنڈا

یہ کھیل بنیا دی طور پر لڑ کوں کا کھیل ہے اورر جد ید کرکٹ کی ایک قسم ہے۔ یہ ایک بہت ہی پسند یدہ کھیل جو تمام علا قوں میں کھیلا جا تا ہے۔
طر یقہ کار:یہ کھیل ایک لکڑی کے ڈنڈے اورگلی کے سا تھ کھیل جا تا ہے۔ دو ٹمیں برا برا تقسیم کی جا تی ہے۔ایک ٹیم گلی پھینکتی ہیں اور دو سری ڈنڈا استعمال کر تی ہے۔ ڈنڈا اس گلی کو ما ر نے کے لئے استعما ل کیا جا تا ہے۔ز مین میں ایک کھتی کھو دی جا تی ہیں ۔ گلی کو اس کھتی پر رکھ کر ڈنڈے کی مدد سے ا چھا لا کر دور پھینکی جا تی ہے کھتی کے سا منے کچھ فا صے پر مخا لف ٹیم کے کھلا ڑی کھڑے ہو تے ہیں اگر وہ گلی کو زمیں پر گرنےسےپہلے لو چ لیں تو کھیلنے والے کی با ری ختم ہو جاتی ہے اس کی جگہ دوسر اساتھی آجاتا ہے اگر گلی زمین پر گر جائے تو ڈنڈے کو کھتی پر رکھ دیا جا تا ہے مخا لف ٹیم کا کھلا ڑی گلی سے ڈنڈے کو نشا نہ بنا تا ہے۔اگرگلی ڈنڈے کو لگ جائے تو با ری ختم ہو جا تی ہے۔اگر گلی ڈنڈے کو نہ لگے تو کھلا ڑی زمین پر گری ہو ئی گلی کودو چو ٹیں لگا تا ہے۔اسےٹل لگا نا کہتے ہیں۔گلی جہاں بھی گر ے مخالف اسے وہاں سے اٹھا کر کھتی پر رکھے ہو ئے ڈنڈے کو نشا نہ بنا تا ہے۔ اگر گلی ڈنڈے کو لگ جائے تو کھیلنے والے کی باری ختم ہو جا تی ہے۔اس طرح یہ کھیل جا ری ریتاہے۔
پتنگ بازی

یہ بھی اس علاقے کے لڑکوں کا بہت پسند یدہ کھیل ہے ۔موسم بہار میں تو ہر طرف رنگ برنگی پتنگیں فضا میں اڑتی نظر آتی ہیں

بنٹے

یہ کھیل صرف لڑکے ہی کھیلتے ہیں ۔اوریہ کھیل ہمارے علاقے میں بہت مشہور ہے۔یہ کھیل لڑکے بہت شوق سے کھیلتے ہیں۔
طر یقہ کار:اس کھیل میں دو ٹیمیں برا برا تقسیم کی جا تی ہیں۔ ایک گول دا ئرہ بنا یا جا تا ہےاور اس کے اندر چھو ٹی سی لکیر لگائی جاتی ہےاور دو نو ںٹمیں چار چار بنٹے اس لکیر کے او پر ر کھتے ہیں۔ اور دونوں ٹمیں ایک ایک بنٹا باری باری کھچنتے ہیں اور جس کا بنٹاگول دائرے میںآیاجاتا ہےتو پھر زیادہ بنٹےجینتے کی کو شش کر تا ہے اور اس طرح یہ کھیل جاری ریتا ہے۔

 آج کے دور میں پلاسٹک کی بوتلوں میں پانی بھر کر ریفریجریٹرز میں رکھ دیا جاتا ہے تاکہ پانی ٹھنڈا رہ سکے کئی قسم کے واٹر کولر بھی 

مارکیٹ مین دستیاب ہیں جن میں پانی کوٹھنڈا رکھا جا سکتا ہے

اگر ہم کچھ سال پیچھے چلیں جائیں جب واٹر کولر اور ریفریجریٹرز نہیں ہوا کرتے تھے تب لوگ پانی کو تھنڈا رکھنے کے لیے گھڑوں میں بھر کر رکھ دیتے تھے گھڑا مٹی کا بنتا تھا جسے گاوں میں کمہار بناتا تھا کمہار اپنی مہارت سے مٹی سے گھڑے تیار کرتا پھر ان گھڑوں کو کچھ دن تک آگ میں رکھا جاتا آگ کی بھٹی لگائی جاتی جس سے مٹی کے بنے ہوئے کچے گھڑے پک کر مظبوط ہو جاتے تھے۔پھر یہ گھڑے فروخت ہوتے گاوں میں زیادہ تر پیسوں کی بجائے اناج سے ان گھڑوں کو خریدہ جاتا تھا پھر ان میں صبح کے وقت پانی بھر کر رکھ دیا جاتا اور سارا دن وہ پانی پیا جاتا تھا یہ مٹی کا بنا ہوا ہوتا تھا اس لیے ہاہر کی گرمی اس کے اندر ڈالے ہوئے پانی کو گرم نہ کر پاتی تھی اور پانی ٹھنڈا ، تازہ رہتا تھا

آج اگر دیکھیں تو پانی سے بھرا ہوا گھڑا بہت کم نظر آتا ہے اس کی جگہ کولر اور  ریفریجریٹرز نے لے لی ہے مگر آج بھی اس گھڑے کے پانی کی تازگی اور مٹھاس نہ تو  ریفریجریٹرز کے پانی سے ملتی ہے اور نہ ہی واٹر کولر کے پانی سے گھڑے کے پانی کا اپنا ہی مزہ ہے۔

(عامر)